Ascendancy

Chapter VIII

Chapter 8

T'Kia
2041

As Akhona sits me down to do my hair, my ladies-in-waiting show me different dresses and outfits for the party tonight.

"That is too much cleavage for tonight," I shake my head at one dress. Maybe another time but not for this party. "No. I need something elegant. Something that shows that I am a queen— not a child."

A dress is brought forth that is slightly form fitting with a cape-like sleeve on the left side. "Mm," I look at shoes and accessories. "The black shoes with the gold heel, and gold panther ring."

The dress, shoes, and accessories are laid out as Akhona starts my hair. I talk to all of the ladies in the room until N'Jadaka speaks to me. Damn. Could you call Aviwe already? This mindless talk is making me tired.

N'Jadaka, let her have this girl time. They need it. T'Chaka waves his hand, but even his voice seems bored.

I roll my eyes but call Aviwe through my Kimoyo beads. "Uphakamileyo bakho." Aviwe answers quickly. He looks intrigued by this form of communication. Everywhere else in the world, iPhones and smart phones are still prevalent. They have some Wakandan Kimoyo bead features, but they are still just phones. They are nothing like our Kimoyo beads. (Your highness)

"Aviwe, I must ask that you report to my room. Have Anathi escort you," I say and the smile that grows on his face is contagious. "Five minutes."

"Yes, Nkosazana yam." Aviwe smiles before hanging up. (My princess)

I just smile as I lean back and close my eyes. I let myself relax as Akhona does my hair.

"Aviwe, ma'am." Anathi enters the room with a salute. We all do the same before Aviwe enters.

"Ikumkani wam," Aviwe bows his head as he crosses his arms. "The honor is mine." (My Queen)

"I am not Queen yet, but thank you," I smile. I look at Anathi. She nods and bangs her spear on the ground and all of the servants and Anathi, except for Akhona, leave the room. "Aviwe." I hold my hand out to him as Akhona continues to do my hair.

He pulls a chair up to sit in front of me. He grabs my hand with both of his and kisses it. "I'm sorry, T'Kia."

"You have nothing to be sorry for," I reach forward to place my hand on his cheek. "I am sorry for accusing you. Especially the morning after we kissed."

Aviwe smiles sadly. "And every moment since that night— even when you looked as if you were going to kill me— I wanted to do it again."

"Akhona." I smile and Akhona smiles.

"I am almost done, ikumkani wam. Just a moment more." Akhona puts gold beads and accents into my hair before leaving. She braided two small braids to lay over my forehead. She twists the hair between the braids back and leaves the rest of my hair out in its natural curly state. When it is free, my hair normally hangs down to my waist. Akhona is able to get it to form into a bush just past my shoulders. Akhona leaves the room with a smile. (My Queen)

"Come here." I lean toward Aviwe after several long moments of just staring at his face. He leans forward so that I can touch my lips to his.

He pulls back first. "Nkosazana yam, we shouldn't keep everyone waiting outside. It's rude," he kisses me again softly. "And I have to warm up for the party. M'Baku only let me have a few minutes because you called." (My princess)

"What will you and your cousins be singing?" I ask as he stands. I watch him move around my chair to stand behind me.

"We're actually going to rap," he places his hands on my shoulders and squeezes them. "It's from an album made in 2018. A family friend's album. My mom and her cousin produced it."